Estel listened to the report Elladan was making. “We met a troop of eleven yrch not far from the foot of the pass. The last was determined, and took some time to subdue. I fear we were not able to bring him here to question—he died before we made the ford.”

“Not that we truly wish to have such—guests—within the valley,” Elrond responded. “But it would be good to know who it is that inspires the orcs of the Hithaeglir to breed so prolifically. I fear the Wise must soon move against the Necromancer.”